First Betancourt Gives Thanks to God and the Blessed Virgin

"Come with me first to thank God and the Blessed Virgin." These were Ingrid Betancourt's first words after her liberation, as she alighted from the helicopter of the Columbian authorities that had transported her and her companions to the base of Catam, near Bogota.

"I have imagined this moment so many times," she said, expressing her thanks in French. "It's a miracle!" (...)

"The chief of the operation said: 'We're the Columbian army, we are here to set you free!' We jumped, we screamed and we kissed each other so much that the helicopter almost crashed! We just couldn't believe it. It's God's miracle. It's a miracle!"

In a letter to her mother in October 2007, Betancourt wrote: "I have a small table where I put my things away, like my backpack with my clothes and the Bible, my only luxury. I asked God to give me the same strength France used to have against adversity, so I could feel more worthy to be counted among her children. Each day I talk to God, Jesus, and the Blessed Virgin."